Hooper takes 'Les Mis' to screen with emotion, beauty

This film image released by Universal Pictures shows actress Anne Hathaway portraying Fantine, a struggling, sickly mother forced into prostitution in 1800s Paris, in a scene from the screen adaptation of 'Les Miserables.' Hathaway was nominated Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, for a Golden Globe for best supporting actress for her role in 'Les Miserables.' The 70th annual Golden Globe Awards will be held on Jan. 13. AP Photo|Universal Pictures, Laurie Sparham

To transform the much-beloved “Les Miserables” from stage to screen, director Tom Hooper had find a way to maintain — and amplify — the emotional power of the original words and music with the trappings of a big-screen production. His efforts have created a beautiful and moving version of the stage production that's loyal enough to its origins to appease Broadway musical fans, yet is theatrical enough to stand as a feature-film release.

“Les Miserables” is a story of love, devotion, dedication and betrayal set in the years following the French Revolution. Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) emerges from 19 years of hard labor in prison — sent there for stealing a loaf of bread — and begins a new life. His new world is threatened when he's recognized by Javert (Russell Crowe), a man whose devotion to the letter of the law goes beyond the obsessive.

The honorable Valjean is willing to return to prison because of his parole violation, but he must first complete a promise he makes to a dying Fantine (Anne Hathaway), a young woman from his factory who has turned to a life of prostitution to pay for her daughter's care.

Hooper started with one huge advantage. The timeless and powerful story resonates with a conscious-shaking force no matter the medium. In a world where there are no absolutes, two dedicated men strive to protect the purity of their convictions. The always surprisingly versatile Jackman turns in a masterful performance as a man who emerges from a shattered life to become a champion of truth and justice.

Jackman's expressive face and competent singing voice bring a depth to the role that serves as a centerpiece for telling this dramatic tale.

Crowe brings a thuggish quality to his Javert role, but his thin voice is often a distraction.

Anne Hathaway is tres magnifique. Hooper was smart enough to know that while the actress might not have the singing skills of those who have played the role on stage, Hathaway's acting abilities more than makes up for any musical deficiencies. Hooper leaves the camera on her face as she sings the show-stopping “I Dreamed a Dream” with such haunting restraint that it makes you think that this must be what it's like when angels cry.

The film is loaded with powerful supporting players, particularly Samantha Barks as the suffering Éponine and Eddie Redmayne as the lovesick Marius.

Hooper gives the actors a stunning backdrop to work against, creating a 19th-century Paris that feels so real you can almost smell the sewers and feel the rats running across your feet. It's these sweeping vistas that justify making the stage musical into a film.

There are a few small problems, such as the staging of the “Master of the House” scene that feels more like a Tim Burton production.

Overall, Hooper has taken the stage play and elevated it visually to counterbalance the weaker voices. The combination of the powerful story and his beautiful vision makes “Les Miserables” a winner.

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